You have a spreadsheet with 200 URLs, product codes, or contact details, and you need a QR code for each one. Manually generating them one by one would take hours. Here's how to create QR codes directly from Excel data.
Method 1: IMAGE Function with Google Charts API
Excel's IMAGE function (available in Microsoft 365) can generate QR codes using Google's Chart API:
=IMAGE("https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=" & ENCODEURL(A1))
Where A1 contains your URL or text. This creates a QR code image in the cell.
Pros: No add-in needed, works with any data in your spreadsheet, free.
Cons: Requires internet connection, depends on Google's API availability, images are embedded (not downloadable as files), limited customization (black and white only), and Google Charts API is officially deprecated (still works but may stop).
Method 2: Excel Add-ins
Several Excel add-ins generate QR codes from cell data. Search "QR code" in the Office Add-ins store (Insert → Get Add-ins). Popular options include QR4Office and QR Code Generator.
Install the add-in, select a cell with your data, and click generate. The QR appears in or next to the cell. Most add-ins support batch generation for multiple rows.
Pros: Integrated into Excel, some offer customization, batch generation.
Cons: Quality varies between add-ins, some require subscriptions for advanced features, may not export high-resolution images.
Method 3: VBA Macro with Google Charts
For more control, a VBA macro can loop through your data and generate QR codes:
Sub GenerateQRCodes()
Dim cell As Range
For Each cell In Selection
Dim url As String
url = "https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=" & cell.Value
' Insert image at cell location
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert(url).Select
Selection.Top = cell.Top
Selection.Left = cell.Offset(0, 1).Left
Next cell
End Sub
This places QR images next to each selected cell. Customize the size by changing 200x200.
Pros: Batch processing, programmable, customizable placement.
Cons: Requires VBA knowledge, depends on external API, images are linked (not embedded).
Method 4: Upload Your Excel File to a Bulk Generator
The most reliable approach for high-quality, trackable QR codes:
- Upload your .xlsx file directly at qree.app/bulk - no CSV conversion needed
- Each row becomes a dynamic QR code with its own scan analytics
- Download a ZIP with all QR images, ready for print or digital use
This gives you downloadable image files (PNG or SVG), scan tracking on every QR code, and the ability to change URLs after printing. See our step-by-step guide for details. You can also generate bulk QR codes from a CSV file.
Method 5: Google Sheets Alternative
If you're flexible on the tool, Google Sheets with the IMAGE function works similarly:
=IMAGE("https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?size=200x200&data=" & ENCODEURL(A1))
This uses the free QR Server API, which is actively maintained.
Which Method to Choose
Quick and simple (1-10 QR codes): Method 1 (IMAGE function) or Method 2 (add-in).
Batch generation (10-100): Method 3 (VBA) or Method 2 (add-in with batch support).
High quality for print (any volume): Method 4 (upload to qree.app/bulk). The only method that gives you SVG output, scan analytics, and downloadable image files.
Tips
ENCODEURL is critical. URLs with special characters (spaces, &, =) must be encoded. The ENCODEURL function handles this.
Image resolution matters. The chs=200x200 parameter controls the QR size in pixels. For print use, increase to 500x500 or higher.
Test the QR codes. Generate a few, scan them, confirm they work before bulk-generating hundreds.
Create QR Codes from Your Spreadsheet
Upload your Excel file at qree.app/bulk and generate hundreds of trackable QR codes in minutes. XLSX supported directly - no conversion needed.